Aug. 25-Nov. 1 (select dates): Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Walt Disney World. The special event at Magic Kingdom returns earlier than ever before with the first Halloween party on Aug. 25 and will be held on select dates on 32 nights through Nov. 1. The event again will include the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks display, Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show in front of Cinderella Castle. Check website for dates. Prices have yet to be announced, but 2016 prices ranged from $59 to $73 ($54 to $68 for ages 3-9) with earlier nights being the least expensive. 407-824-4321. disneyworld.com/halloween

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One-year-old baby alligators are seen in their new habitat, the Baby Gator Marsh, Friday, August 4, 2017, at Gatorland, in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

One-year-old baby alligators are seen in their new habitat, the Baby Gator Marsh, Friday, August 4, 2017, at Gatorland, in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

CAPTION

One-year-old baby alligators are seen in their new habitat, the Baby Gator Marsh, Friday, August 4, 2017, at Gatorland, in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

One-year-old baby alligators are seen in their new habitat, the Baby Gator Marsh, Friday, August 4, 2017, at Gatorland, in Orlando. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Which Florida spring is the right fit for you? Most offer that same cool 68- to 74-degree year-round, clear water rush in a natural setting, so in that sense, any will do, but there are some basic differences depending on what you want out of your trip. So here's five basic categories and the best spring for each category.

Which Florida spring is the right fit for you? Most offer that same cool 68- to 74-degree year-round, clear water rush in a natural setting, so in that sense, any will do, but there are some basic differences depending on what you want out of your trip. So here's five basic categories and the best spring for each category.

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An alphabetical tour of Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando.

An alphabetical tour of Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando.

Aug. 31-Nov. 13: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Walt Disney World. The annual food and wine lover's paradise offers tapas-style dishes and beverages from 30 global marketplaces. Festival features culinary demonstrations, beverage and cheese seminars, and guest speakers from ABC’s “The Chew.” Tickets start at $99 per day and plates range from $4-$9. You can make reservations for the select events at Disney's website. 407-939-5277. disneyworld.disney.go.com

Sept. 30-Oct. 1: Klingon Feast, Daytona Beach. No vendors or celebrity guests will be at this event, now in its 19th year, just fans celebrating Star Trek with a feast, games and more. $45 for preregistered guests, $55 at the door. At LaPlaya Resort and Suites, 2500 N. Atlantic Ave. klingonfeast.com

Oct. 1: DeLand Indie Market, DeLand. This curated event is held four times a year and showcases artists, boutiques and vintage and handmade vendors. Event also includes food and live music. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Artisan Alley. mainstreetdeland.org

Oct. 5-8: Bicycle Festival, Mount Dora. Attracting over 1,000 cyclists of all ages, this is a 3-day weekend ride with multiple routes, food and festivities; a friendly ghost ride, crushing hill climbs, and 14 routes. Festival passes are $150 until July 31, then $175. 341 N. Alexander St. 352-383-2165. www.mountdorabicyclefestival.com

Oct. 7: First Saturday Jam and Farm Swap, Barberville. On the first Saturday of each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. There will be informal music jams, free workshops and food. 7 a.m to 4 p.m. $6 admission or free with membership. 1776 Lightfoot Lane. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org

Oct. 6: Jazz Friday at Foosaner Museum of Art, Melbourne. Every first Friday of the month the Eau Gallie Arts District hosts live entertainment, arts and craft vendors, food and drinks on the corner of Highland Avenue and Eau Gallie Boulevard. The Foosaner Museum of Art is also open to the public and will provide live entertainment. Expect great music from local favorites. 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Free. 1463 Highland Ave. 321-674-8916. visitspacecoast.com

Oct. 14: Come Out With Pride Festival, Orlando. Join over 150,000 LGBTQ community members and allies for a day-long unforgettable festival with entertainment, vendors and more. Noon to 10 p.m. Free. Lake Eola Park 512 E. Washington St. www.comeoutwithpride.com

Oct. 14: Rocky Water Brew Fest, Melbourne. Some of the best breweries will be on hand for unlimited tastings in the Eau Gallie Arts District. No pets, children or strollers allowed. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets $30 if bought early or $35 at the gate. Eau Gallie Square, 587 W. Eau Gallie Blvd. www.rockywaterbrewfest.com

Oct. 13-15: BBQ and Blues Festival, Clermont. At Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards, enjoy a variety of live blues music by top class performers on the outdoor stage. Lakeridge wine, beer, soft drinks and a variety of food will be available for purchase, along with complimentary winery tours and wine tasting. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $5, children free. 19239 U.S. 27 North. 800-768-WINE. www.lakeridgewinery.com

Oct 13: Main Street's Friday Fest, Melbourne. This family-friendly event occurs the second Friday of each month with live music, food, late shopping hours and a kids' zone. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Highland Avenue, Downtown Melbourne. Free. 321-724-1741. www.downtownmelbourne.com

Oct. 13-15, 20-22, 27-29: Boo at the Zoo. Melbourne. The Brevard Zoo's annual Halloween zoo party is back every Friday-Sunday in late October with more than 30 treat stations, a DJ, games, costume contest and haunted house. 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. $8-$14. 8225 N. Wickham Road. 321-254-9453. www.brevardzoo.org

Oct. 14-15: Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, Winter Park. A juried art show with a longstanding tradition, drawing more than 40,000 people. The show features work by outstanding Orlando artists and also offers live entertainment and food provided by local restaurants. Children's art workshops are also offered. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. In Central Park, 251 S. Park Ave. 407-644-8281. www.autumnartfestival.org

Oct. 19-22: Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach. Thousands of motorcycles will be roaring throughout Daytona Beach and beyond for the 25th anniversary of Biketoberfest. Hubs include Main Street, Beach Street and events at Daytona International Speedway, as well as the Harley-Davidson entertainment center Destination Daytona on U.S. 1. Attractions include motorcycle shows, live music, scenic rides, vendors and more. 386-255-0415. www.daytonabeach.com

Oct. 21: Downtown Melbourne Art Walk, Melbourne. Held every third Saturday of the month, the Strawbridge Art League Gallery and Brevard Humane Society hosts this art walk. Join 36 businesses as they hosts artists in their shops, studios and restaurants. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. New Haven Avenue.

Oct. 21: Classic Car Cruise-In, DeLand. Every third Saturday of the month, classic cars and rods line East Indiana Avenue in Downtown DeLand. Enjoy a live DJ, giveaways, shopping and dining. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free. East Indiana Avenue 386-738-0649. www.MainStreetDeLand.org

Oct. 22: Festival Calle Orange, Orlando. Central Florida's largest Hispanic festival brings together people of many nationalities, religions and backgrounds to enjoy food, music and dancing in the streets. This celebration of culture includes four stages with numerous bands, sampling, souvenirs, food vendors and much more. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 4000 S. Orange Ave. facebook.com/calleorange

Oct. 28-29: Zoo Boo Bash, Sanford. The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens invites children and adults alike to trick-or-treat throughout the park while learning about the myths and realities of endangered animals. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and bring goody bags. Events include costume contests, face painting and more. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event included in general zoo admission. At the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 3755 NW Highway 17-92. 407-323-4450. http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/events

Oct. 28-29: Mount Dora Craft Fair, Mount Dora. This nationally ranked, juried event continues to attract more than 100,000 visitors and more than 400 of the best crafters in the country. Features food, music and a kid zone. Free. In downtown streets. 352-217-8390. www.mountdoracraftfair.com

Sept. 29-Oct. 1: Super Boat National Championship, Clearwater Beach. The weekend features races, as well as parties, fireworks, concerts, a beauty pageant and the chance to see the boats and drivers up close. Adults $70, children 12 and under $40. 727-593-5536. www.clearwatersuperboat.com

Oct. 13-29 (every weekend only): Pumpkin Festival, Bradenton. Kids and adults will enjoy a day at a real working farm with homemade apple cider, a petting farm, old country store, pumpkin patch and arts and crafts. $10, children 12 and under are free. Parking: $5. At Hunsader Farms, 5500 CR 675. 941-322-2168. www.hunsaderfarms.com

Oct. 14: Oktoberfest on the Beach, Indian Rocks Beach. This beachy version of Oktoberfest features music, food, arts and crafts merchants and contests. Starts at 11 a.m. Bay Palm Boulevard. visitstpeteclearwater.com

Oct. 19-22: Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Clearwater. The annual Jazz Holiday brings together all veins of jazz music in one of the longest-running and best-known live jazz events in the country. Performers include The Temptations, Scott Bradlee's Post Modern Jukebox, Kenny Loggins and more. Tickets start at $16. At Coachman Park, 301 Drew St. 727-461-5200. www.clearwaterjazz.com

Oct. 6-8: Pirate Festival, Fort Myers Beach. The 12th annual Fort Myers Beach Pirate Festival will attract thousands to the Historic Seaport District of Old San Carlos. The event will feature a pub quest, pirate bazaar, live ship battles, live music and kids' activities. Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 for adults ages 12 and older. www.fortmyersbeach.org

Oct. 13-15 Florida International Air Show, Punta Gorda. This annual air festival features military and civilian aircraft performances and up-close aircraft on the ground. $15 to $25. At Punta Gorda Airport, 28000 Airport Road. www.floridaairshow.com

Oct. 19: Alive After Five, Punta Gorda. Held every third Thursday of the month, merchants bring live music, artists, food trucks and more to downtown Punta Gorda. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 941-391-4856. charlotteharbortravel.com

Oct. 20-22, 27-29: Oktoberfest, Cape Coral. German tradition is alive and well in Cape Coral, home of Lee County's largest annual Oktoberfest. Hosted by the German-American Club, event highlights , a kids' carnival area, two stages, a giant dance floor and bands direct from Germany. Hours vary each day. Tickets $5 in advance, $6 at the gate. Children under twelve are free. At German-American Club, 2101 SW Pine Island Road. 239-283-1400. www.capecoraloktoberfest.com

South Florida and the Keys (including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Key Largo, Key West and the Treasure Coast)

Oct. 1: Lantern Festival, Delray Beach. The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens’ Lantern Festival showcases entertainment, including taiko drumming and Japanese folk dancing, a street fair, children’s activities and games. Food vendors will offer Asian and American favorites and there will be a Beer Garden and Sake Station. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. $20 for ages 11+, $10 for ages 4-10, free for ages 3 and under. 4000 Morikami Park Road. www.morikami.org/lanternfest

Oct 4-6: West Palm Beach Antiques Festival, West Palm Beach. Known as one of Florida's biggest and best antique shows, this festival has been running at the same location for more than 20 years, attracting dealers from all over the country and selling a vast array of antiques, collectibles, and decorative accessories. Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $7 to $12. At the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd. 941-697-7475. www.wpbaf.com

Oct. 5-8: Bird Festival, Coral Gables. The Bird Festival at Fairchild is held in partnership with the Tropical Audubon Society and features two days of off-site tours of South Florida bird habitats led by Tropical Audubon Society experts. The Bird Festival then continues at Fairchild with activities for birders of all ages, including presentations by bird experts, bird walks and an amateur bird photo contest and exhibit. 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $18 for seniors,, $12 for children 6-17, and free for children 5 and under. 10901 Old Cutler Road. 305-667-1651. www.fairchildgarden.org

Oct. 6-8: Oktoberfest, Port St. Lucie. German food and beer, music, dance and crafts will be on tap during the 15th annual Oktoberfest, presented by the City of Port St. Lucie and the German American Club of the Treasure Coast. This is a family-friendly event complete with numerous food vendors, entertainment and children activities. Free. At the Promenade at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center, 9221 SE Civic Center Place. 772-807-4488. www.psloktoberfest.blogspot.com

Oct. 6-10: Italian Film Festival, Miami. The Italian Film Festival is an annual event featuring short films, documentaries, new films and more. Each year the festival presents 10 unreleased films in competition for the Best Film Award, which is decided by the audience. Regal Cinema South Beach, 1120 Lincoln Road. 305-864-0101. miamiandbeaches.com

Oct. 7: Harvest Fest, Jupiter. Jupiter puts on Harvest Fest, a free family friendly festival that features an Oktoberfest-style beer garden, kids' fall carnival area, petting zoo, dog costume contest, local vendors, food trucks, and more. Noon to 5 p.m. At The Plaza Down Under on the Riverwalk, 210 Military Trail. 561-746-5134. jupiter.fl.us

Oct. 7-8: Southernmost Marathon & Half, Key West. This 10k/5k event offers 26.2, 13.1, 6.2 or 3.1 miles of beachside running. The scenic, flat course takes runners through Key West, across Stock Island and on to Rockland Key, allowing an opportunity to view both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The Marathon Course is USATF certified. $30-120. 954-213-6699. www.somomarathon.com

Oct. 21-22: Haunted Pirate Fest and Mermaid Splash, Boynton Beach. The swashbuckling get-down will spend three days raising a mug to loot plunderers and underwater dwellers with live music, food and games, and is anticipating more than 100,000 festivalgoers. There will be pirate re-enactments, magic shows, mermaid tanks and comedians. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. 561-600-9093. BBPirateFest.com

Oct. 23: Heroes and Villains 5K, Key West. Key West sets the scene for the Heroes and Villains 5K Run/Walk. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero or villain. Prizes are awarded for the most creative, best group, scariest and funniest characters. 6 p.m. Pre-register for $25. 305-747-8563. www.themeruns.com

Oct. 26: The Smallest Parade in the Universe, Key West. The second annual smallest parade will present 18-inch floats jiggling down a replica of Duval Street. thesmallestparadeintheuniverse.com

Oct. 2-Oct. 8: St. Augustine Restaurant Week, St. Augustine. The St. Augustine Restaurant Association puts on a celebration of local dining with lunch and dinner menus available at member restaurants. $20 for lunch and $35 for dinner. Check website for participating restaurants. visitstaugustine.com

Oct. 7: Founding of the Castillo, St. Augustine. The National Park Service will host this annual event celebrating the founding of the Castillo de San Marcos in October of 1672. Visitors can learn about the undefeated fortress, with re-enactments and demonstrations. 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 1 S. Castillo Drive. 904-829-6505. visitstaugustine.com

Oct. 13-15: Greek Festival, St. Augustine. The Greek influence on the nation's oldest city is celebrated with music, food and dancing at this 19th annual event. Hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Friday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5. At the Special Events Field on Castillo Drive downtown. 904-479-6729. www.stauggreekfest.com

Oct. 14: Artrageous Artwalk, Amelia Island. Held monthly on second Saturday, this event opens the doors of some of the island's incredible galleries, featuring photography, pottery, copper, stained glass, watercolor, acrylics and more. Participants can peruse more than a dozen galleries in downtown Fernandina Beach and at the Plantation Artists' Guild and Gallery located at Amelia Island Plantation. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free. 904-261-7020. www.islandart.org

Oct. 1: North Central Florida Peanut Festival, Williston. This annual event features crafts, music, rides, lots of peanuts and peanut products, and the crowning of Little Peanut King and Queen and Baby Peanut. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Heritage Park, 444 N. Main St. www.willistonfl.com

Oct. 6: First Friday Artwalk, Ocala. Held the first Friday of each month, this event spans 15 blocks in Ocala's downtown historic core. The walk includes restaurants, businesses and other spaces hosting visual and performing artists. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 352-368-5517. ocalafl.org

Oct. 6-7:Florida Scallop and Music Festival, Port St. Joe. Educational exhibits, a 5K race, a kids zone and food vendors will be located throughout the park to make the two-day event an enjoyable experience for all, with sweet southern-fried scallops headlining the menu. $5-$10. 850-227-1223. www.scallopfestfl.org

Oct. 6-8: Pirates of the High Seas Fest, Panama City Beach. Columbus Day weekend is to bring a wave of swashbuckling fun to this coastal community during the Pirates of the High Seas Fest at Pier Park. The festival will include an ensemble of parades and sword-swinging showdowns, as well as live music and fireworks. Free. Pier Park, 600 Pier Park Drive. visitpanamacitybeach.com

Oct. 7: Flora-Bama's Oktoberfest, Pensacola. Flora-Bama's third annual Oktoberfest will feature brats, sauerkraut and a variety of German beer. Children are welcome during this family-friendly event. At Flora-Bama Lounge, 17401 Perdido Key Drive. 850-492-0611. www.florabama.com

Oct. 19-29: Pensacola Interstate Fair. Pensacola. The fair is one of the top 50 fairs in the country and features more than 60 rides, top-name entertainers, exhibits and tons of food. Check website for times and ticket prices. Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, 6655 Mobile Highway. 850-944-4500.

Oct. 21: Bloody Mary & Music Festival, Panama City Beach. This is an all-you-can sample experience with a full bar and food also available. Guests will also vote on the best Bloody Mary. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. $20. Schooners Last Local Beach Club, 5121 Gulf Drive. visitpanamacitybeach.com

Oct. 21: Annual Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours, Pensacola. Guests can choose from among three walking tours lled by guides who share the haunted history of the city. Trolley tours are also available for those looking to cruise alongside the ghouls. Check website for times and ticket prices. 117 E. Government St. 850-595-5985.

Oct. 25-29: Thunder Beach Autumn Rally, Panama City Beach. The 17th annual Thunder Beach Autumn Rally will bring together bikes, vendors and exhibitors from across the country. Get ready for miles of beachside riding and plenty of entertainment options. Check website for schedule. Free. Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach, 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway. 850-249-7627. thunderbeachproductions.com